I’ve made it no secret that holidays is simply NOT my favorite time of year. My stress levels go through the roof and I’m not embarrassed to admit that I turn into a REAL grouch Grinch! I’m sure you are wondering exactly what could make me so dismal during this season of cheer. Well we can start with the all quirky relatives that love camp out at my house each year. And why wouldn’t they, I’m a blast the rest of the year they have NO idea that my inner-Grinch shows up during the holidays.
Then there are the hours I spend cooking and cleaning to ensure my home is “guest worthy”. This year, I’m knee deep in the final edits for my book (Eating Cupcakes Naked) that launches in a couple of weeks, so I find all the Holiday hoopla all the more distracting.
And the Good Lord knows, I can’t stand crowds! But what would the holiday season be without incessant shopping. And my family fully expects me to participate in the shopping shenanigans. So there you have it, Mrs. Grinch is officially reporting for duty!
This year, I have found a couple of ways to reduce my stress and keep my Grinch-ish ways at bay, preserve my sanity and save me time. I thought I would share them with you!
1. I QUIT COOKING AND HIRED A CATERER
Southern tradition dictates that the holidays aren’t complete without a home cooked meal. A few years ago, I decided to break with tradition and hire a caterer. It was the BEST decision of my holiday hostess life! I was finally able to enjoy the food and my guests without being too exhausted. I have found heap of local restaurants and grocery stores that sell ‘turkey packages” that make life a heck of a lot easier. I can order a few things or the whole meal, either way the process gives me a few hours back to spend doing things I enjoy.
2. I SHOP USING MY CELL PHONE
Getting in and out of a store in under 30 minutes or less is my idea of a shopping success. This year I’ve discovered one thing that should save me a boat load of time at the check out counter. Check out the ISIS Mobile Wallet app. It basically turns my cell phone into a debit card so I can use it to make secure payments to local vendors. That’s holiday music to my ears since I’m a self confessed techie who likes to travel light. So the more I can do with my mobile device the better life gets for me.
How does it work? Check out the video below.
Get more details on the ISIS Mobile Wallet HERE!
There you have it, my plan to get Mrs. Grinch through the holidays with a little less… well, Grinch. I would love to hear some great ways that you plan to reduce stress during the holidays.
*Disclosure: I am a member of the Verizon Wireless #VZWLife team and received a device as part of this program. I am a Verizon customer and all opinions are my own.*
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